An annual tradition was on full display in Downtown San Jose Friday where hundreds gathered for the lighting of a 65-foot Christmas tree at Christmas in the Park.
“It’s great to see the park filled with so many families,” said San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan.
That included Yameen Shah and his family who were there for the first time.
“We got here at 5 p.m., we wanted to be here early,” he said.
While it was the first time for some at Christmas in the Park, others have been going for around 40 years.
“My oldest is 40, so now I’m bringing the grandkids,” said Sabrina Moreno of Santa Clara.
But this year organizers are asking for the community’s help. The 44-year-old tradition has lost several major sponsors.
“Some of our sponsors that have been with us forever don’t have the means to keep supporting us,” Debbie Degutis, managing director …